Big wins in the fight for wildlife

When poaching of elephants, rhinos and tigers skyrocketed to meet illegal demand for wildlife products, WWF and TRAFFIC launched a global campaign to mobilize action. Together with partners and with supporters like you, we were able to make a big difference!

Some of the campaign's many achievements are captured here. There is still hard work ahead, but we will keep fighting to ensure a future for these species in the wild.
We are standing firm. Thanks for joining us on the frontline!

New champions

Gabon President Ali Bongo destroyed guns and ivory tusks seized from poachers in a fiery display of zero tolerance. Philippines followed by crushing 5 tonnes of ivory.

Other African heads of state including Botswana President Ian Khama, South Africa President Jacob Zuma and Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta have also expressed deep concern over wildlife trafficking.

At the United Nations, Secretary General Ban Ki Moon reported to the Security Council that poaching and smuggling is a “grave menace” to peace and security.

Warning that wildlife crime also threatens economies, African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka joined WWF to launch The Marrakech Declaration, an action plan for cooperation between countries.

In his London palace, Prince Charles and his son Prince William welcomed governments from around the world to explore ways to stop the slaughter.

Countries failing to uphold their commitments under CITES, the UN treaty that regulates international wildlife trade, were warned to clean up their act or face possible economic sanctions.

Member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation declared their commitment to strengthen efforts to combat the illegal trade in wildlife.

As US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton initiated Wildlife Conservation Day at embassies around the world. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee also took up the issue under the leadership of then Senator John Kerry.

At ceremonies in Nairobi and Bangkok, religious leaders from across Africa and from the Thai Buddhist community offered their voices in prayer and in support of the protection of threatened species.

Gabon President Ali Bongo burned his country's seized ivory in a display of zero tolerance.

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We would like to extend special thanks to Fondation Segré for partnering with WWF to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade. The foundation’s leadership gift in support of this global effort is enabling us to take action at the highest levels and make a real difference for the future of endangered species. Thank you for this crucial support.

We would also like to thank Fondation Philanthropia for its support to our illegal wildlife trade campaign, as well as all WWF members who have supported this work through donations to their national WWF offices.